Vertical Folding or Collapsible Hanger

ABSTRACT

The device of the present invention is a collapsible hanger having a plurality of vertical bodies, a hanger hook with a rotatable connector on its base and a hub. The plurality of vertical bodies has a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end has a rotatable connector and the bottom end has at least one hook and said central body has a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hub has at least three cylindrical rotatable connector apertures for receiving the rotatable connector of the top end of the plurality of vertical bodies and the rotatable connector of the base of the hanger hook.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/750,572 filed on 25 Oct. 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to hangers. More specifically, the device relates to hangers from which to hang, drain, dry, ventilate, aerate, and organize sports, recreational and apparel items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The vertical folding hanger solves several issues that current hangers do not address or solve.

It is known that in some activities, recreational enthusiasts, participants and others make use of items such as articles of clothing and accessories that get wet, from being in, on, or around water or other fluids. Items such as dive booties, gloves, hood, water socks, scuba diving masks, goggles, shoes, hats, and caps get wet, and need to drain, dry, aerate and ventilate properly.

Other recreational activities make use of items that get damp, or absorb sweat. Items such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, hats, scarves, protectant gloves, wrist pads, socks and shoes, also need to be hung to dry, aerate and ventilate as they may become moldy and odorous if left lying flat or not properly ventilated. Items may also become wrinkled or damaged if not hung properly and kept off the ground or other surfaces.

Items that are continuously not left to dry may also become permanently damaged or compromised over time. As well, items not meant to get wet, may need to be washed at times, and will need to be hung to dry. Current hangers are horizontally bulky, with a handle which is rounded in shape thus limiting objects from which the hanger can be hung from. Current folding hangers also require placing articles on a horizontal plane, which is not efficient for drying or ventilating. Items that are placed in a horizontal manner may have water accumulation in an area of the textile, unable to drain properly due to being horizontal, remaining damp, soggy, and may become odorous. Items, especially textiles, placed in such a way can't ventilate adequately, which may contribute to odor. Items may not be secured properly, and, if outside in wind for example, may get knocked off. Items of a non-textile nature, such as a diving mask, goggles, or dive knife, may not drain or aerate properly either, water may pool, causing mildew and may become moldy and odorous, or exacerbate rusting.

Some hangers have small horizontal pegs by which to place an item on or over. This is not efficient either, as water may accumulate on an area of the textile, unable to drain properly. Proper ventilation is poor, and the item can easily get knocked off the horizontal peg, by wind as an example, or by the hanger simply being moved. The pegs are too small in general to properly accommodate basic sports or recreational gear.

Some current hangers have small or tall narrow vertical pegs. These vertical pegs are not efficient as they allow the full force of an item to press down on itself, perhaps kinking it, or folding over on itself. The pegs are solid and typically small in radius. A wet or damp item placed on a vertical peg will not aerate adequately, not ventilate, and may become odorous. Items are more prone to falling off as well.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a collapsible hanger having a plurality of vertical bodies, a hanger hook and a hub having at least three cylindrical rotatable connector apertures. The plurality of vertical bodies having a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end having a rotatable connector, the bottom end having at least one hook and the central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hanger hook having a rotatable connector on its base. The three cylindrical connector apertures of the hub are for receiving the rotatable connector on the top end of each of the plurality of vertical bodies and the rotatable connector on the base of the hanger hook.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of vertical bodies have an I-shaped cross-section. In addition, they may further have an aperture along each of said plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. There may be three to four, four to five or more than six upwardly projecting arms.

In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hanger hook has a front side and a back side, wherein the front side is an upside down L-shape. In addition, the hanger hook may also have a U-shaped groove or semi-curved cutout. Further, the back side of the hanger hook may also have a second hook. In this case, the second hook may be an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces toward the plurality of the upwardly projecting arms.

In another aspect of the invention the collapsible hanger has a plurality of vertical bodies and a hub. The plurality of vertical bodies having a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end having a rotatable connector, the bottom end having at least one hook and the central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hub having an upper end and a lower end with two or more cylindrical connector apertures there through for receiving the rotatable connector of the top end of the plurality of vertical bodies. The upper end of the hub has a hanger hook projecting therefrom.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of vertical bodies further have an I-shaped cross-section. In addition, they may further have an aperture along each of the plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. There may be three to four, four to five or more than six upwardly projecting arms,

In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hanger hook has a front side and a back side, wherein the front side is an upside down L-shape. In addition, the hanger hook may have a U-shaped groove or semi-curved cutout. Further, the back side of the hanger hook may also have a second hook. In this case, the second hook may be an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces toward the plurality of the upwardly projecting arms.

Another aspect of the present invention is a hanger having a vertical body with a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end having a hanger hook, the bottom end having at least one hook and the central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following represents the best currently contemplated modes for carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment presented in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the embodiment presented in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment presented in FIG.1 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail.

The term “about” when referring to dimensions or distances means that the value indicated may vary from 10% to 25% more or less than the value stated. So if the distance is about 2 inches this value can range from 1.8 to 2.2 inches or from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

The term “aperture” as used herein refers to the opening in one element that may or may not be used to receive a portion of another element for the purpose of connecting the elements in a specific configuration. For example, the apertures in the hub are able to receive the connector on the top of the vertical bodies and/or on the base of the hanger hook such that they are able to rotate about the connection. Alternatively, the apertures within the upwardly projecting hanger arms are not utilized to connect two or more elements of the invention but instead allow air flow to assist with drying items placed on the device of the present invention.

The term “fold”, “folding” and “collapsible” as used herein refer to the ability of vertical bodies to be rotated together into a flatter or more compact shape for ease of carry and storage. The hook may also rotate to accommodate a compact shape in relation to the vertical bodies.

The term “hanger” as used herein refers to the hanger hook that is a part of or connected to the hub for use in positioning the device prior to or during use. This hanger may be provided in a variety of shapes adapted to easily conform to the object on which the device is to be hung. For example, if the hanger hook is to be used to hang the device from the top edge of a door, then the underside hanger hook configuration may mimic the top of the door or be of a square or rectangular shape. If the device is to be hung in a shower, then the underside of the hanger hook may have a semi-circular shape to conform to a curtain rod. In other configurations, the hanger hook may be able to conform to both the top of a door and a curtain rod.

The term “hook” as used herein may refer to any part of the device that may be utilized to hang, dangle, drape or otherwise hold an item while drying or other purpose. One of these hooks, the hanger hook, may be provided in a variety of shapes, including for example, an inverted L-shaped. In the L-shaped configuration, the hook may also be used as a handle, a means by which to carry the hanger, as well as a hanger by which the device may be hung.

The term “hub” as used herein refers to the element to which the hanger hook and vertical bodies radiate from or are rotatably attached or connected. In at least two of the configurations, the hub comprises at least two apertures which receive the rotatable connectors of the vertical bodies and/or the hanger hook.

The term “I-shaped cross-section” as used herein refers to the shape of a cross-section cut of the vertical bodies when observed end on. In one embodiment, this cross-sectional view appears as a capitol letter “I”, giving it an I-beam like shape.

The term “rotatable” as used herein means the ability of an element to rotate, spin, or swivel about an axis. For example, the vertical bodies have a top end which contains a rotatable connector that fits within one of the apertures or the hub in such a way to allow the vertical bodies to pivot, swivel, spin or rotate about the hub. The angle of rotation may range from about 15° to about 360°.

The term “semi-curved member” as used herein refers to the part that is extruded, or protrudes from the horizontal top back side of the hanger hook. The semi-curved member's preferred orientation as it relates to this invention is curved in a downward arc at a non-horizontal angle projected out from the top back side of the hanger hook.

The term “upwardly projecting hanger arms” also referred to as “U-shaped arms” as used herein refers to the arms of the vertical bodies that project at a given angle upward toward the hub. In one configuration, the arms are rounded at the tip or terminal point and have an aperture at their center giving the appearance of a “U” shape.

The term “U-shaped groove” or “semi-curved cutout” as used herein, refers to the semi-circular or arched cutout on the inner side of the hanger hook. For example, if the hanger hook was in the shape of an upside down “L”, then the U-shaped groove” would be positioned on the inside or underside of the leg of the “L” shape about the middle.

The term “vertical bodies” or “vertical posts” as used herein refers to a plurality of vertical members that are suspended, hung or affixed below the hub. The vertical posts contain a plurality of non-horizontal U-shaped arms. The vertical posts may further terminate in an L-shape hook at their base.

The present invention is an apparatus from which to hang, drain, dry, ventilate, aerate, and organize sports, recreational and apparel items. In one configuration of the present invention, the collapsible hanger has a plurality of vertical bodies, a hanger hook and a hub having at least three cylindrical rotatable connector apertures. The plurality of vertical bodies having a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end having a rotatable connector, the bottom end having at least one hook and the central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hanger hook having a rotatable connector on its base. The at least three cylindrical connector apertures of the hub are for receiving the rotatable connector on the top end of each of the plurality of vertical bodies and the rotatable connector on the base of the hanger hook.

In another configuration of the invention, the collapsible hanger has a plurality of vertical bodies and a hub. The plurality of vertical bodies each have a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end has a rotatable connector, the bottom end has at least one hook and the central body has a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hub has an upper end and a lower end with two or more cylindrical connector apertures there through for receiving the rotatable connector of the top end of the plurality of vertical bodies. The upper end of the hub has a hanger hook projecting therefrom.

In yet another configuration of the present invention, the hanger has a vertical body with a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end has a hanger hook, the bottom end has at least one hook and the central body has a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms.

Vertical Posts or Bodies

In the collapsible configuration, the vertical folding hanger has independent vertical rotatable posts by which non-horizontal U-shaped arms are affixed to each vertical post, from which to hang items on, around or from. The vertical posts may fold closed for compact storage, or rotate open as desired by the user. This is not intended to be limiting, but to give a general idea of purpose.

This vertical hanger is comprised of vertical posts, each with a plurality of non-horizontal extended U-shaped arms which allow secure placement of a wide variety of items. The vertical hanger posts may be made of a variety of materials that are semi-rigid and able to hold wet items or items for storage of significant weight without bending, do not absorb water or are water resistant and are light weight for ease of transport. These types of materials may include for example, plastic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene or other polymers known to those skilled in the art that may perform this function.

The vertical bodies may be of a vertical length to accommodate a plurality of non-horizontal U-shaped arms which may have a variety of separation distances. As an example, the body may be 14 inches long. More specifically, the vertical bodies may be about 10 inches, about 12 inches, about 14 inches, about 16 inches, about 18 inches, about 20 inches, about 22 inches, or about 24 inches. For additional strength, the vertical bodies may have an I-shaped cross-sectional view.

The non-horizontal U-shaped arms in the present invention may range in length from 4″ to about 10″. More specifically, they may be 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″ or 10″ or any inclement in between. They may be hollow at the center to allow for additional air flow, ventilation, channeling of water, and the option to hang another hanger from the U-shaped arm if desired. The non-horizontal U-shaped arms are angled at an angle adequate to allow water to drain due to gravity. The angle is sufficient to keep items that are wrapped over the U-shaped arm, secure under normal circumstance. The angle is not sufficient to cause the full force of an item to bear down on itself and kink in normal uses.

Items such as a bootie or sock as an example will be placed over a non-horizontal extended U-shaped arm by the bootie's or sock's opening. The bootie or sock is secured, and angled in a downward position, as seem in FIG. 4 of diagram. It can then drain if needed, aerate and ventilate.

In one configuration, the non-horizontal U-shaped arms are rounded at the tip, or terminal point, allowing items placed over the U-shaped arms to remain in their natural shape, and not get unnecessarily creased, folded or otherwise compromised. The U-shaped arms are of a width that is generally consistent with general sports gear such as gloves, booties, and socks, to allow items to remain in their natural state, as opposed to lying flat, perhaps compromising the items' integrity. The design of the non-horizontal arms is also structurally strong.

In another embodiment, the top planar surface of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms may have 1, 2, or more slight depressions ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1′ or more in depth, separated by a variable space, which may additionally facilitate the hanging of an item with a strap for example. Conversely, the top planar surface of 1, 2 or more of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms may also have a bump, a slightly raised surface of ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1′ or more, separated by a variable space. The number of and length of the variable spaces will depend on the length of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms but may number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more and be a length of 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼, ⅓″ or ½″. This will aid in additionally securing items such as textiles or those with straps for example. Alternatively, the surface of the top planar surface of each of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms may be of a rough texture to aid in additionally securing an item through increased friction provided by the rough texture. The depressions, bumps and rough texture may be made of the same material as the hanger.

This vertical folding hanger also offers the user the option to open or close the vertical arms independently to compensate for tight fitting or narrow spaces, or fully rotate open 180 degrees. It may also be able to rotate in various other increments but not limited to 15°, 30°, 45° and 90°.

The horizontal L-shape hook at the base of each vertical arm may allow items such as swim fins, scuba diving fins or any other item with straps to hang from. The tip of the L-shape may be bent upward to prevent items from slipping off and remaining secure. The horizontal L-shape may act as another point by which an item can be placed upon to hang, ventilate, dry, organize and store.

Hanger Hook

The rotatable hanger hook allows the hanger to be hung from a variety of surfaces due to its design. The rotatable hanger hook has a central horizontal body with a hook portion on its top and a rotatable connector on its base. The hook portion extends from the top front side of the central body at about 90° on one end and has a lip on the other end to prevent the hook from sliding off the door, curtain rod, tree limb or other item on which the device may be hung.

The hanger hook may be made of a variety of materials that are semi-rigid and able to hold a significant weight without bending or breaking, do not absorb water or are water resistant and is light weight for ease of transport. These types of materials may include for example, plastic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene or other polymers known to those skilled in the art that are able to perform the function of the hanger hook. The hanger hook and the vertical hanger posts or bodies may be made of the same material or they may be made of different materials.

The hanger hook is able to fully rotate 360 degrees. Alternatively, the hanger hook may be configured to rotate 90°, 180°, or 270°. This allows for greater placement options for hanging and positioning of the vertical hanger, especially taking into consideration the flexibility of the rotating vertical posts.

The inverted L-shaped hook may have a semi-circular cut-out located on the underside of the hook that partially extends into the underside of the hook itself. The semi-circular cut-out may be located centrally on the underside of the top member while still allowing planar surface on either side of semi-circular cut-out. The multi-purpose benefit of the hanger, having a planar underside surface and a semi-circular cut-out allows for various placement and hanging options on various surfaces and objects, such as it may be hung from the top of a door which may have a width of 2 ¼″, or shower door, which may have a width of 3″, for example, or hung from a chair, a fence, a door handle or any other structure whereas if just the tip of the inverted L-shape is able to be placed or secure on, allowing the hanger itself to remain in place and not fall down. The semi-circular cut-out allows hanger to be hung from rounded objects as well, such as a closet pole, a doorknob, or if outdoors, a tree branch, if camping as an example.

The semi-circular cutout may occupy the center of the planar underside of the hook, allowing a sufficient and reasonable planar surface on either side of cut-out to allow proper usage for which the hook was designed.

A semi-curved member is extruded out from the side of the hook as an additional option that may be used to hang a scuba hood or hat for example, allowing for better draining, venting and drying, and without creasing or otherwise compromising the material due to the semi-curve. In one embodiment, the semi-curved hanger member extends from the top back side of the hanger hook and forms an arc with the concave side facing downward toward the vertical bodies.

Hub

The hub is the element positioned between the vertical bodies and the hanger hook and may be independent of the vertical bodies and hanger hook or it may be integrated into one or both of these other elements. In one embodiment, the hub is provided with at least three apertures; one for receiving the base of the hanger hook and two for receiving the vertical bodies. The connections made between the hub and the hanger hook and vertical bodies allows both to rotate. The amount of rotation may vary depending on the desired configuration of the device during use. For example, the hanger hook and/or the vertical bodies may be able to rotate within the hub aperture about 30°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 270° or 360°. Alternatively the hanger hook may be integrated into the hub and does not rotate.

The hub may be made of a variety of materials that are semi-rigid, do not absorb water or are water resistant, are light weight for ease of transport and able to maintain its form when items of significant weight are placed on the device for drying or storage. These types of materials may include for example, plastic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene or other polymers known to those skilled in the art that may perform this function. The hanger hook, vertical hanger posts or bodies and hub may be made of the same material or they may be made of different materials.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a vertical hanger 10 may have a plurality of vertical bodies 11. The vertical hanger 10 may be made of plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) or similar polymer, metal, such as aluminum or steel, wood, or other rigid like material known to those skilled in the art. The elements of the device may be made by a variety of methods such as by injection molding in which the plastic used will be of sufficient strength for the hanger to function as desired. Other manufacturing abilities include computer numerical control (“CNC”) manufacturing process or by three-dimensional printing. The vertical bodies 11 may be of varying length, although the same length is preferred as depicted in the diagrams when multiple vertical bodies are utilized. The vertical bodies, also referred to as vertical posts may be provided in a variety of lengths. They may range in length from about 8 inches to about 17 inches. More specifically, they may be 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, 17 inches or 18 inches. In one embodiment, the vertical bodies are of a length that, when combined with the lengths of the hub and hanger hook in an assembled configuration will fit easily into carry-on or checked-in luggage. The base of each vertical body 11 may be terminated in a hook 20. Hook 20 may be provided in an “L” shaped configuration or other shape perpendicular to body 11 and having a length in the range of about 2 inches to about 8 inches. More specifically, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches about 7 inches or about 8. The L-shape or hook 20 may be terminated with an upwardly facing lip 24. The lip in this invention is about ½″. However, the lip can range from ½ inch to about 2 inches. More specifically, from about ½ inch, about 1 inch, about 1.5 inches or about 2 inches. The L-shape or hook 20 may be used from which to hang swim or diving fins or other items with straps. The lip 24 may keep items from sliding off L-shape or hook 20.

The shape of the I-beam, if observing the cross-section, forms a depressed channel which runs the length of the body, which is comprised of the U-shaped arms, and the vertical posts. The depressed channel or I-beam like cross-section shape terminates near the top insertion point below the connector of each vertical post into the hub.

The linear edges of the vertical bodies 11 may be slightly perpendicularly extruded 12 along their plane, which may result in a continuous indented groove, or channel 8 along the vertical bodies 11. This may also aide in channeling water and facilitating aeration and ventilation. The vertical bodies 11 are inserted separately into a hub 16.

The hub 16 is by which the components may connect to, and from. The hub 16 has two additional holes 18 on either side of the centered hole 19 used for the top handle 13, bored into the hub. In this present invention, the hub ranges in height from about 3″ to about 5″ and has a width ranging from about 2.5″ inches to about 5″. The hub 16 may be about 3″, about 4″ or about 5″ in height, or any increment in between, or taller. The hub 16 may be about 3″, about 4″, about 5″ across, or any increment in between or larger. One skilled in the art would recognize that specific combination of width and height for the hub can provide optimal use of the device. Because this may vary with the particular intended use, one skilled in the art without undue experimentation can make prototypes with the desired dimensions and test each to determine which provides the best configuration for the intended use.

In this present invention, the hub acts as a connector by way of three cylindrical apertures for the hook 20 and the vertical posts 11, and may act as a connector for additional parts not currently depicted on this present invention. The apertures are bored into the hub, in a vertical orientation with respect to the hub 16. The diameter of the apertures may be sufficient enough to allow a snug fit of the hook and vertical arm into the aperture.

Although this hub 16 has three apertures, the hub may have more than three apertures, or it may have less the three apertures. Rotation of the hook 20 about the center hole 19 and or the vertical bodies 11 about the additional holes 18 may range from about 15° to 350°, from about 30° to about 300°, about 45° to about 300°, 37°, 45°, 75°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360° or any other increment.

In one embodiment, each opposing hole allows the insertion of the vertical body 11 which snaps into place into the hub 16 and is locked into place and from falling out by a lip 9. Each vertical body 11 may fully independently rotate 360°.

The rotation allows the user to adjust vertical bodies 11 as desired. Thus, the vertical bodies 11 may also be folded closed, butting up against each other, allowing for compact storage or transport. For example, a traveler may want to put the vertical hanger 10 in their suitcase, folded closed, and at their destination, rotate open the vertical bodies 11 to the users liking for hanging items.

The vertical bodies 11 may be of a vertical length to accommodate a plurality of non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 which may have a variety of separation distances. As an example, the body 11 may be 14 inches long. The vertical width of the base of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 could determine how many arms 17 the body 11 may accommodate. The space between each non-horizontal U-shaped arm 17 is sufficient enough for reasonable space between items that may be placed on or around the non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17.

The non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 extend at an upward angle to the body 11 allowing items to slide over, wrap over, or otherwise placed around the U-shaped arms 17. The U-shaped arms in the present invention may range in length from 4″ to about 10″. They may be 5″, 6′, 7′, 8″, 9″ or 10″ or any inclement in between to allow for the full functionality desired by a user.

Items that are wrapped or placed over the arms 17, such as gloves, booties, shoes or socks for example, may be secure from falling off as the downward angle and gravity keeps items in place. Importantly, the angle allows water or other liquid to drain from items, and because items are kept in their either in their natural open state such as a shoe, or slightly stretched over the arm 17 such as a sock, as opposed to lying flat, or vertical, items may ventilate, aerate and may eliminate odor much more efficiently. Items may also be draped over the top of the U-shaped arm 17, or slid through the hollow empty space 22, from which an item may also hang.

The non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 may have a rounded tip which may also eliminate issues such as creases or other deformities on items such as textiles from developing.

The non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 may be attached to the body 11 in a fixed manner, as is shown in diagrams or adjustable to allow rotation on each body 11. The drawings depict the U-shaped arms 17 in a fixed manner. The U-shaped arms 17 may be hollow at the center 22. This allows for increased air flow, circulation, and venting, reducing drying time, and elimination of odors, mildew and acts as another surface from which another hanger or other item may hang from.

Items such as gloves, booties, socks, shoes or other items are better able to dry as they are angled, allowing and facilitating drainage of water or other fluids to drain in a downward angle, accumulation or eliminating trapped water or liquids. The width of the non-horizontal U-shaped arms 17 may be an optimal width for the items it is intended for, but not limited to booties, gloves, hoods, socks, shoes, helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and articles of clothing.

A top hook 13 may be in the shape of an inverted “U” and may be attached at the top end of a hub 16. The hook 13 is inserted and fitted into the hub 16, and is able to fully rotate 360 degrees. This allows for greater location options for hanging and positioning of the vertical folding hanger 10. A semi-curved member 15 may be extruded out from the side of the hook 13. The curved member 15 may be used to hang a scuba hood or hat for example, allowing for better draining, venting and drying, and without creasing or otherwise compromising the material. The curved member 15 may also be used as a means to hang a dive light, flashlight, watch, mask or goggles as an example.

A semi-circular cut-out 14 is located on the underside of the top hook 13 which partially extends into the underside of the hook itself. The semi-circular cut-out 14 may be located centrally on the underside of the top member while still allowing planar surface on either side of semi-circular cut-out. This allows the vertical folding hanger additional flexibility to hang from either a door, shower door, or from a pole, a railing on a dive boat, or doorknob for example. If camping or outdoors, a tree branch or a clothesline for example.

One preferred method of manufacturing the invention is by injection molding. The various parts of the hanger are injection molded and then assembled. In one configuration, the connector of the L-shaped hook is inserted into an aperture, or hole, located at the top surface of the hub. The hole may be of a diameter sufficient to allow the insertion of the base of hook into the hole of the hub. The connector of the L-shaped hook may fit snuggly, and may be secured by a lip at the base which snaps or clips around the opposite opening of the aperture. Said aperture for L-shaped hook is currently bored partially or entirely into the hub. Each vertical post may be inserted into the opposite end of the hub, into a respective aperture, at a distance apart from each other as to properly allow the vertical posts to function as intended. Each aperture may be of a diameter sufficient enough to allow the top connector of the vertical post to be inserted into the aperture, perhaps snuggly, and may be held into place by a lip or a clip which secures into the top surface of the hub. This is the preferred method for the present invention. These are just a few methods of fastening the hook and vertical posts to the hub, and will include other methods known to those skilled in the art.”

To use the invention, the user can carry or hold the body with their hand and position the hook over an item such as a door, shower door, closet pole, or tree branch or fence if outdoors for example. The body of the hanger, or the hook, or both, may be rotated to accommodate the space in which it is hanging. The vertical arms may each be rotated vertically, at different angles if desired, to accommodate the space in which the hanger is placed. The vertical arms may also be rotated independently to accommodate the items which will be placed on it. For example, if placing booties, gloves, and socks, the arms may not be spaced open as much as if placing running shoes or boots, or helmet which may take up more space. The hanger may be placed over a shower door to facilitate rinsing and drying equipment, the hanger may be place or moved to a door for storage, or to continue drying sports gear or other equipment and accessories The vertical folding hanger may also be hung from a tree branch as an example, for campers who want to hang their socks, hats, gloves, other apparel to dry, keep off the ground and organized.

The vertical folding hanger will also accommodate other items with straps, lanyards or hooks themselves. For example, a lantern, a flashlight, a watch, or any other item the user may find suitable to place, hang, or drape on various areas of the vertical posts or U-shaped arms. Some sports enthusiasts use elbow and knee pads. These items may also be placed on the vertical arms, or at the base of the vertical posts. When traveling, the user simply folds the hanger closed, rendering it compact and flat, and puts it in desired luggage. The vertical folding hanger, in its current implementation, is fairly lightweight, and will pose minimal weight gain to luggage. The vertical folding hanger, with its semi-curved cut-out underneath the handle, can also be hung from a closet pole for example if one desires to store or organize items in a closet or laundry room. As already mentioned, the hanger can be hung from a tree branch, fence, items with a handle such as a refrigerator or handlebars such as a motorbike. The versatility of the rotating hook and arms also allow the hanger to be placed on doorknobs, fences, the horizontal back of chairs. The present invention may be utilized with a variety of sports gear and equipment or household items.

This new invention, the vertical folding hanger addresses and solves the above described issues of how to efficiently hang, drain, dry, ventilate, and aerate accessories and articles of clothing for water sports, non-water sports, for recreation enthusiasts, participants, and others. As mentioned, items such as dive booties, gloves, hood, water socks, masks, goggles, shoes and shoes which are either wet or damp, need to drain, dry, aerate and ventilate properly.

The vertical folding hanger is designed to offer the flexibility and convenience of placement in a variety of locations due to the individual fully rotatable vertical posts, and the fully rotatable inverted L-shaped handle which is designed to hang over flat surfaces, such as a door, or shower door, as well as on rounded objects such as a closet pole, dive boat railing, fence pole, or even hung on a tree branch as an example. The vertical folding hanger's features, as will be explained further, is designed to be used at home, office, outdoors such as at a beach, camping, on travel for use at a hotel room or out in the field. There are many more uses for the vertical hanger and locations of use that an individual may find convenient and useful.

The vertical hanger is compact, portable, and structurally strong. Even when the vertical folding hanger is holding intended items, it is easy to hold the vertical members by one hand, or hold the hook, and re-locate it to a different location if so desired, such as from outdoors to indoors, while keeping all the items securely in place. The vertical folding hanger can also be used as a means to organize and store items.

No previous invention has fully addressed all the above purposes or objectives.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. 1. A collapsible hanger comprising: a plurality of vertical bodies having a top end, a bottom end and a central body, wherein said top end has a rotatable connector and said bottom end has at least one hook and said central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms, a hanger hook having a rotatable connector on its base; and a hub having at least three cylindrical rotatable connector apertures for receiving said rotatable connector of said top end of said plurality of vertical bodies and said rotatable connector of said base of said hub.
 2. The collapsible hanger according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of vertical bodies further comprise an I-shaped cross-section.
 3. The collapsible hanger according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of vertical bodies further comprise an aperture along each of said plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms.
 4. The collapsible hanger according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of upwardly projecting arms is two to three upwardly projecting arms, three to four upwardly projecting arms or upwardly projecting arms four to five.
 5. The collapsible hanger according to claim 1, wherein said hanger hook has a front side and a back side, wherein said front side is an upside down L-shape.
 6. The collapsible hanger according to claim 5, wherein said hanger hook further comprises an upside down U-shaped groove within said upside down L-shaped hanger hook.
 7. The collapsible hanger according to claim 5, wherein said back side of said hanger hook further comprises a second hook.
 8. The collapsible hanger according to claim 7, wherein said second hook is an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces toward said plurality of said upwardly projecting arms.
 9. The collapsible hanger according to claim 7, wherein said second hook is an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces said plurality of said upwardly projecting arms.
 10. A collapsible hanger comprising: a plurality of vertical bodies having a top end, a bottom end and a central body, wherein said top end has a rotatable connector and said bottom end has at least one hook and said central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms, and a hub having an upper end and a lower end having at least two cylindrical rotatable connector apertures there through for receiving said rotatable connector of said top end of said plurality of vertical bodies from said lower end and said upper end having a hanger hook projecting therefrom.
 11. The collapsible hanger according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of vertical bodies further comprise an I-shaped cross-section.
 12. The collapsible hanger according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of vertical bodies further comprise an aperture along each of said plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms.
 13. The collapsible hanger according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of upwardly projecting arms is two to three upwardly projecting arms, three to four upwardly projecting arms or upwardly projecting arms four to five.
 14. The collapsible hanger according to claim 10, wherein said hanger hook has a front side and a back side, wherein said front side is an upside down L-shape.
 15. The collapsible hanger according to claim 14, wherein said hanger hook further comprises an upside down U-shaped groove within said upside down L-shaped hanger hook.
 16. The collapsible hanger according to claim14, wherein said back side of said hanger hook further comprises a second hook.
 17. The collapsible hanger according to claim 16, wherein said second hook is an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces toward said plurality of said upwardly projecting arms.
 18. The collapsible hanger according to claim 16, wherein said second hook is an arc-shape wherein the concave side faces away from said plurality of said upwardly projecting arms.
 19. A hanger comprising: a vertical body having a top end, a bottom end and a central body, wherein said top end has a hanger hook and said bottom end has at least one hook and said central body having a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. 